Area law enforcement officials are reporting that calls involving traffic crashes and other incidents have increased significantly since the state reopened amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King said reports have at least doubled since the executive order was lifted and Tahlequah reopened.
“Calls picked up last week and doubled for officers working 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” said King. “They were averaging about 25 call per shift, and I expected to see an increase once the executive order was lifted.”
Tahlequah Fire Department Capt. Jody Enlow said they were getting two to three calls per shift during the COVID-19 lockdown, but calls have steadily increased as well, and firefighters are keeping busy.
Cherokee County Sheriff Jason Chennault, on the other hand, said his office hasn’t seen an increase in calls.